The Power Of She

Chapter Six

Time seemed to crawl for Marta. She glanced at her watch for the third time in as many minutes—7:03 p.m. Was time moving backward? It certainly felt like it. 

She had spent the rest of her day wandering around Madrid. She and Luz had visited a few of Luz's former colleagues and enjoyed a leisurely coffee on a small café terrace. 

"So, what are you and Fina doing tonight?" Luz had asked with a knowing smile. "You've had that dreamy, faraway look on your face all day." 

Marta rolled her eyes, clicking her tongue in mock annoyance. "I don't know. I just want to spend time with her again," she admitted. Her gaze drifted skyward. "Although, there's a weather warning—heavy rain later." 

"Perfect excuse to stay cozy in your suite," Luz teased with a wink. 

Marta had laughed. "Maybe." 

Now, a few hours later, Marta was fresh out of an "everything shower." She'd taken her time moisturizing, her thoughts lingering on Fina and what the night might bring. Where it might end up. 

The attraction was definitely mutual—she was sure of it. Fina seemed sweet, funny, and drop-dead gorgeous. Maybe Luz was right: it was time to put herself back out there. Spending a night together wasn't a marriage proposal. Marta turned the thought over as she finished her skincare routine. 

I'll take the jump tonight, she decided. If it works out, great. If not, well... no harm, no foul. We probably won't cross paths again anyway.

She pulled on loose black cotton trousers and a deep black V-neck top. The fit was relaxed but flattering—it showed off her toned arms, and she'd noticed Fina sneaking glances at them more than once. Marta smirked at the thought. 

Before heading out, she took a quick look around her suite, tidying up to make sure it was presentable. A quick ruffle of her fingers through her hair gave her soft waves just the right amount of effortlessness. 

Another glance at her watch—7:45 p.m.
Close enough

She grabbed her phone and room key, took a steadying breath, and made her way downstairs. 

---

Fina was putting the finishing touches on her makeup in the bathroom while Carmen and Claudia lounged on her bed, watching her get ready. They had finished up early at the auditorium and thankfully had managed a few hours rest.

"Are you nervous?" Claudia asked. "I mean.......she's even more attractive up close." 

Fina laughed as she applied a swipe of nude lip gloss, then tossed her hair back over her shoulders. 

"Oh, I've noticed, Clau. Believe me, I've noticed." She turned toward the main room, where she was met with exaggerated applause and whistles from both friends. 

"Beautiful!" 
"Gorgeous!" 

Fina was dressed in black jeans paired with ankle boots and a black-and-white polka dot shirt. She'd left a few buttons undone and rolled her sleeves halfway up for a casual yet chic look. 

"Girls, I won't lie. I'm a little nervous," she admitted with a grimace. "I keep replaying last night's date in my head, and I can't believe I was so clueless about the signs." 

"Use that to your advantage," Carmen said confidently. "You know she's interested in you, and you're interested in her. What's there to worry about? Wham bam" 

Fina hummed in agreement. "You're right. I'll just let myself go and see what happens." 

"That's my girl," Claudia said with a grin.